Two months ago, in early July, President Barack Obama went to Italy for the G-8 economic summit. While in Italy, he also had a personal interview with Pope Benedict XVI during which the pope presented Obama with a copy of his latest papal encyclical entitled, Charity in Truth. For those who don't realize it, a papal encyclical is one of the most authoritative documents a pope can produce.

Charity in Truth is a 44-page letter in which Pope Benedict XVI comments on the world's current economic crisis and, from his perspective, what he sees as the solution. From a prophetic standpoint, here are 9 significant highlights found within this encyclical:

1. A Global Government. Pope Benedict is calling for a "true world political authority" to fix the problems that plague planet Earth. (Page 67)

2. Church and State. The pope says this new political authority must make its decisions based on spiritual values. (Chapter 5)

3. The Papacy at the Head. These spiritual values cannot be derived from just any religion, since not "all religions are equal." (Page 55)

4. Religion, Politics and the Economy. The "church" must influence all areas of society because God must have "a place in the public realm, specifically in regard to its cultural, social, economic, and particularly its political dimensions." (Page 56)

5. Power to Enforce Law. This "political authority" must have "real teeth" and "be vested with the effective power" to enforce laws around the world. (Page 67)

6. Control Buying and Selling. Once in place, the new world governing power will institute socialistic policies for government to redistribute wealth. (Chapter 3)

7. Resurgence of Labor Unions. Labor Unions are to be empowered to "play a decisive role" in the new world order. (Page 25) For those who know European history, this is exactly what happened in Poland, leading to the collapse of Soviet Communism.

8. The Church's Goal. Pope Benedict says that his encyclical will help achieve "The goal of the history of the human family," which is to build "the universal city of God." (Page 7)

9. Redefining Religious Liberty. While claiming not "to interfere in any way in the politics of States," the pope redefines "liberty" as happening when the world obeys laws shaped by the Roman Catholic Church's spiritual values. According to the pope, as the church influences states to enforce "truth" upon others, such people are then set "free." "This mission of truth is something that the Church can never renounce." (Page 9)

When Charity in Truth was first released in July 2009, newspapers ran stories on it around the world. Here are just three headlines from Time, USA Today, and New American:

Pope Calls for World Political Authority

The Pope on the World Economy: Prophets, not Profits

Pope calls for 'God Centered' global economy

For those who have read my book, End Time Delusions, which clearly documents not only what the Bible teaches, but also what Reformation Protestants understood "about the beast," then you know what's coming. The proverbial handwriting is on the wall. God's Word predicts,

And I saw one of his heads as it were wounded to death,

and his deadly wound was healed. And all the world wondered

after the beast… and power was given to him over all

peoples, and tongues, and nations (Revelation 13:3, 7).

This prophecy is on the verge of fulfillment right now.

The book End Time Delusions fully documents the decisive role of the papal power in last day events. For those who haven't read it, and who would like to receive a copy, White Horse Media is again make the newly printed hardcover version available for only $15 plus shipping.

You can order by calling 1-800-782-4253

Concerning the "signs" of the approaching end of the age, Jesus Christ plainly said, "Now when these things begin to happen, look up, and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near" (Luke 21:28).

Maranatha! Come Lord Jesus!

Steve Wohlberg
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I will be back with more.

Replies to This Discussion

Some of the above refferenced pages directly from the Pope's Encyclial

65. Finance, therefore — through the renewed structures and operating methods that have to be designed after its misuse, which wreaked such havoc on the real economy — now needs to go back to being an instrument directed towards improved wealth creation and development. Insofar as they are instruments, the entire economy and finance, not just certain sectors, must be used in an ethical way so as to create suitable conditions for human development and for the development of peoples. It is certainly useful, and in some circumstances imperative, to launch financial initiatives in which the humanitarian dimension predominates. However, this must not obscure the fact that the entire financial system has to be aimed at sustaining true development. Above all, the intention to do good must not be considered incompatible with the effective capacity to produce goods. Financiers must rediscover the genuinely ethical foundation of their activity, so as not to abuse the sophisticated instruments which can serve to betray the interests of savers. Right intention, transparency, and the search for positive results are mutually compatible and must never be detached from one another. If love is wise, it can find ways of working in accordance with provident and just expediency, as is illustrated in a significant way by much of the experience of credit unions.

Both the regulation of the financial sector, so as to safeguard weaker parties and discourage scandalous speculation, and experimentation with new forms of finance, designed to support development projects, are positive experiences that should be further explored and encouraged, highlighting the responsibility of the investor. Furthermore, the experience of micro-finance, which has its roots in the thinking and activity of the civil humanists — I am thinking especially of the birth of pawnbroking — should be strengthened and fine-tuned. This is all the more necessary in these days when financial difficulties can become severe for many of the more vulnerable sectors of the population, who should be protected from the risk of usury and from despair. The weakest members of society should be helped to defend themselves against usury, just as poor peoples should be helped to derive real benefit from micro-credit, in order to discourage the exploitation that is possible in these two areas. Since rich countries are also experiencing new forms of poverty, micro-finance can give practical assistance by launching new initiatives and opening up new sectors for the benefit of the weaker elements in society, even at a time of general economic downturn.

66. Global interconnectedness has led to the emergence of a new political power, that of consumers and their associations. This is a phenomenon that needs to be further explored, as it contains positive elements to be encouraged as well as excesses to be avoided. It is good for people to realize that purchasing is always a moral — and not simply economic — act. Hence the consumer has a specific social responsibility, which goes hand-in- hand with the social responsibility of the enterprise. Consumers should be continually educated[145] regarding their daily role, which can be exercised with respect for moral principles without diminishing the intrinsic economic rationality of the act of purchasing. In the retail industry, particularly at times like the present when purchasing power has diminished and people must live more frugally, it is necessary to explore other paths: for example, forms of cooperative purchasing like the consumer cooperatives that have been in operation since the nineteenth century, partly through the initiative of Catholics. In addition, it can be helpful to promote new ways of marketing products from deprived areas of the world, so as to guarantee their producers a decent return. However, certain conditions need to be met: the market should be genuinely transparent; the producers, as well as increasing their profit margins, should also receive improved formation in professional skills and technology; and finally, trade of this kind must not become hostage to partisan ideologies. A more incisive role for consumers, as long as they themselves are not manipulated by associations that do not truly represent them, is a desirable element for building economic democracy.

67. In the face of the unrelenting growth of global interdependence, there is a strongly felt need, even in the midst of a global recession, for a reform of the United Nations Organization, and likewise of economic institutions and international finance, so that the concept of the family of nations can acquire real teeth. One also senses the urgent need to find innovative ways of implementing the principle of the responsibility to protect[146] and of giving poorer nations an effective voice in shared decision-making. This seems necessary in order to arrive at a political, juridical and economic order which can increase and give direction to international cooperation for the development of all peoples in solidarity. To manage the global economy; to revive economies hit by the crisis; to avoid any deterioration of the present crisis and the greater imbalances that would result; to bring about integral and timely disarmament, food security and peace; to guarantee the protection of the environment and to regulate migration: for all this, there is urgent need of a true world political authority, as my predecessor Blessed John XXIII indicated some years ago. Such an authority would need to be regulated by law, to observe consistently the principles of subsidiarity and solidarity, to seek to establish the common good[147], and to make a commitment to securing authentic integral human development inspired by the values of charity in truth. Furthermore, such an authority would need to be universally recognized and to be vested with the effective power to ensure security for all, regard for justice, and respect for rights[148]. Obviously it would have to have the authority to ensure compliance with its decisions from all parties, and also with the coordinated measures adopted in various international forums. Without this, despite the great progress accomplished in various sectors, international law would risk being conditioned by the balance of power among the strongest nations. The integral development of peoples and international cooperation require the establishment of a greater degree of international ordering, marked by subsidiarity, for the management of globalization[149]. They also require the construction of a social order that at last conforms to the moral order, to the interconnection between moral and social spheres, and to the link between politics and the economic and civil spheres, as envisaged by the Charter of the United Nations.
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More to come.

Pope Benedict’s first visit to the United States was an historic event. He received more fanfare than any
visiting world power leader would normally receive. And never before had President Bush met an
arriving dignitary at the airport. This underscores the profound international clout of the Catholic Church.
But the Pope’’s visit was not just an historic event —— it was also a very significant prophetic event. And
when the two primary powers of end-time prophecy come together, Bible-believing Christians should
give it very serious consideration.

Did you know that for hundreds of years, Protestants have believed that the first beast of Revelation 13
is the papacy? Additionally, many Protestants believe that the second beast, found in Revelation 13:11,
represents the United States of America.

Let me pause here for a moment to make it utterly clear that this isn’t a condemnation of Catholic
worshipers, millions of who are loving, sincere, and heaven-bound. However, many of them are unaware
of the unbiblical teachings espoused by their church.

And Protestants would do well to remember the beliefs of the great reformers —— such as Luther,
Zwingli, Tyndale, Calvin, Bunyan, Wesley, Whitfield, Edwards, Spurgeon, and a host of other scholars.
They all believed the Roman Catholic Church was the antichrist of Bible prophecy.

A Mission Trip?

Before arriving in America, Pope Benedict announced that his trip to the States would be a ““missionary
experience.”” In other words, he wants to influence Americans to embrace his beliefs —— even though
Catholic theology is troubling for Bible Christians.

For example, the Pope believes he is the infallible representative of God on earth, and we saw that he is
virtually worshiped as such. Indeed, one reporter asked President Bush what he saw when he looked
into Pope Benedict’’s eyes. Extraordinarily, Bush answered —— “God.”

The Catholic Church also teaches that we should pray to Mary, that priests hold the power to forgive
sins, idolatry is acceptable —— along with a kaleidoscope of other pagan-influenced teachings.
Moreover, in both Washington, D.C. and New York City, tens of thousands filled stadiums to watch the
Pope conduct mass. The Pope believes in the doctrine of transubstantiation, which means that during
the mass, he believes he has the power to convert the bread and wine into the actual body and blood of
Jesus. In a sense, it means the Pope believes he can “create” God.

Uniting the Churches

The emphasis on these unbiblical beliefs is why it is so shocking that 250 Protestant, Orthodox, and
Evangelical leaders, including Pat Robertson, attended an ecumenical prayer service on April 18 led by
the Pope in a Catholic Church.

That same day also marked the first time a Pope entered an American synagogue, where he met with
Jewish Rabbi Arthur Schneier one day before the Passover. It is astonishing that the rabbi addressed
the Pope as “His Holiness” and then quoted from Psalm 133:1: “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is
for brethren to dwell together in unity!”

You might be wondering why I get stirred up by an event like this. Well, the way I read my Bible, in the
last days there will be a union between Catholicism and North American religions that will ultimately
impose the mark of the beast.

Of course, the leader of the Catholic Church is keenly aware of the increasing tension between radical
Islam and the Judeo/Christian nations. And one key purpose of this past visit was to offer himself as a
spiritual leader around which these fractured churches can rally.

It is happening friends —— little by little —— right under our noses!

Protestant Amnesia

Frankly, I’m utterly mystified how America, a Protestant-born nation, could heap such honor upon that
institution. Have we forgotten that North America was formed largely by pilgrims fleeing religious
persecution in Europe? In fact, when the Washington Monument was being constructed in the 1850s,
Pope Pius IX contributed a block of marble. Indignant Protestants, wanting nothing to do with the
heritage of Rome, took that stone and threw it into the Potomac River!

But there is even more evidence that things are changing. At one time, every member of the Supreme
Court was a Protestant. Today, only one is a Protestant —— and the majority are now self-described
Catholics.

And you must admit that when the General Assembly of the United Nations gathers to be addressed by
the leader of the Catholic church, it represents a significant global influence of that church. After all,
would these world leaders ever meet to hear any other pastor?

New Age Spiritualism

I also think the timing of the Pope’’s visit is intriguing, especially following the fresh wave of New Age
religion being promoted by superstar Oprah Winfrey. The highly influential billionaire claims, “One of the
mistakes people make is believing there is only one way” to salvation and that Jesus “cannot be the only
way.” And now she’s putting all of her media muscle behind promoting books and teachers that embrace
this dangerous spiritualism. I refer you to the classic The Great Controversy: “Protestants of the United
States will be foremost in stretching their hands across the gulf to grasp the hand of Spiritualism; they
will reach over the abyss to clasp hands with the Roman power; and under the influence of this threefold
union, this country will follow in the steps of Rome in trampling on the rights of conscience” (p. 588).

Sunday –– A Priority?

And finally, as if all this wasn’t enough to think about already, another significant event transpired during
the Pope’’s visit that deserves our special attention.

On April 16, the Pope’s birthday, he met with American Catholic Bishops at the Basilica of the National
Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in the nation’s capital. There, Cardinal Francis George addressed
the Pope on behalf of U.S. Catholic leaders —— listing priorities for their common attention over the
next several years. Among them was “handing on the faith in the context of sacramental practice and the
observance of Sunday worship!”

It won’t be long before they push to have this ratified by law!

A Trumpet of Warning

With prophecy fulfilling right before our eyes, there are precious few voices that can still be heard from
Protestant pulpits. Yet you can be sure that Amazing Facts is committed to lifting a trumpet of warning
against the certain dangers of friendship with apostate beliefs.

A prophet once asked Jehoshaphat, who began to patronize evil king Ahab, “Should you help the wicked
and love those who hate the Lord? …… the wrath of the Lord is upon you” (2 Chronicles 19:2).
Likewise, I believe it is intriguing, and perhaps even providential, that during the very same time the
Pope was conducting “his mission to America,” I was in the studio recording one of the most important
segments of our upcoming great controversy- themed DVD —— the battle between Christ and Satan!
I’’m sure you agree that this is the message that needs to get out now more than ever!

In this day —— when political correctness often muzzles Bible truth —— Amazing Facts continues to
boldly address these sensitive issues. In addition to calling souls to accept the gospel of Jesus, we are
also commanded to proclaim a bold message of prophetic warning against worshiping the beast and
receiving his mark (Revelation 14:9-11).

So friend, if you recognize that we are living in the last days, I ask that you please stand with us so that
we might bravely proclaim the unchanging truth of God’’s Word. Now is the time when we need every
possible resource to broadcast the good news. I believe that together, we can make a huge impact for
the Lord.

We must work for Jesus now and invest in His cause for “the night is coming when no one can work”
(John 9:4). Would you please prayerfully consider a generous gift to help us with our many
evangelistic projects?

I know that God will bless you as you make a sacrificial investment of faith.